James R.
Jordan Sr.
*James Jordan pictured with son Michael Jordan*
http://www.eurweb.com/?p=44437
James Jordan Sr., family man and father of famous basketball
star Michael Jordan, was killed while napping in his red Lexus
off the side of the road in Lumberton, NC on July 23, 1993. He
was shot and killed by two teenage thieves who stole his car and
left his corpse in a creek nearby, only 8 days before turning 57.
James Jordan was married to Deloris Jordan. He fathered 5
children; 3 boys: James Jr., Larry, and Michael, and 2 girls:
Deloris and Roslyn. He was known best as the loving, proud,
supportive father and best friend of Michael Jordan.
Many said that James was a kind man with a bright outlook on
life who was also a strong family man. James was a special type
of friend, once you became friends, you always remained
friends. Besides his personality, many would defend his title as
Michael's number one fan. Michael once said of his father, "He's
my best friend" (James Jordan Obituary).
Working for General Electric as a forklift operator, James
eventually worked his way up the company ladder to
supervisor. However, in 1963 he and his family moved to
Brooklyn, NY in order for James to study hydraulics and
become a mechanic specializing in automatic transmissions.
Here, the future superstar was born.
Later in life, James and Deloris started sports apparel and other
business chains such as the three Flight 23 by Jordan apparel
stores in Charlotte, and JVL Enterprises in Rock Hill, SC.
However, besides working on automobiles, Jordan was good
with his hands. He built and repaired numerous things around
their home, such as a basketball court. James was a catalyst to
his son's future basketball stardom. He built his sons a half-court
outside of their home which quickly turned into a full court
when 15-20 people began showing up to play at a time. Whist
focusing and working on projects around the home, James
would stick his tongue out in habit. This habit was made
famous by Michael who picked it up from his father. Michael
was known for sticking his tongue out while throwing down the
rock in a tremendous slam dunk.
"James Jordan was born July 31, 1936 in Wallace, N.C., the son
of a share-cropper" (James Jordan Obituary). This is where he
met his future wife Deloris while playing basketball with her
brothers and cousins.
James R. Jordan Sr. is survived by his wife Deloris Jordan, his
five children of whom he was extremely proud of all: James Jr.,
Larry, Michael, Deloris, and Roslyn, along with three
grandchildren, Jeffrey, Marcus, and Jasmine Jordan, children of
Michael Jordan and his wife, Juanita.
Citations:
"James Jordan was Michael's 'no. 1' fan and a father who stressed family values - Obituary."
Bnet. CBS Interactive, 2010. Web. 12 Mar. 2011.
<http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1355/is_n18_v84/ai_14330329/?tag=ccontent;col
1>.
"Michael Jordan - Related Biography: Father James Jordan." sports.jrank.org. Net Industries,
2011. Web. 27 Feb. 2011. <http://sports.jrank.org/pages/2390/Jordan-Michael-RelatedBiography-Father-James-Jordan.html>.